1 Samuel 23:17

New International Version

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

For Encouragement

“Don’t be afraid.”

The language of encouragement the Lord has spoken to announce His presence with His apprehensive and wearied children. These gracious words have calmed the racing heart and soothed the wounded soul. God, who knows our anxious hearts, first spoke these words to Abraham, His friend, to relieve his anxiety about his posterity (Gen. 15:1-3). God has since spoken into the lives of countless saints in different circumstances along the path of redemptive history with grace and equal candor. Blessed by the Lord in those circumstances, the saints also blessed others, offering comfort during times of uncertainty and mental and emotional distress. No wonder this was the language Jonathan used to help his friend David find strength in the Lord at Horesh (1 Sam. 23:17).

Jonathan did not go on a familiarity tirade to learn how David was doing. He knew his friend’s situation and challenges and had come with a purpose—to encourage him in the Lord. Jonathan saw how the situation had shaken David when he embraced him, so he went straight to doing just that. Through my sanctified imagination, I can see Jonathan holding his friend’s shoulders, looking straight into his eyes, and telling him, “Don’t be afraid.” What a relief David might have felt.

What we say to someone in pain and needing encouragement impacts that person’s emotional situation. It stops the decline into despondency and prepares the mind for an assurance that refreshes and renews courage. Therefore, Jonathan gave David the good news on which his faith could latch.

“My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel,  and I will be second to you. Even my father knows this” (17).

Jonathan reminds David of God’s anointing upon him as king of Israel (16:13) and affirms its certainty—God has said it, David. Divine choice has settled David’s future in God’s faithfulness. He is not a man that He should lie, the son of man that He should repent. Yahweh has spoken and He will make good of it (Nu. 23:19). No one can thwart God’s purposes, plans, and promises (Job 42:2; Isa 14:27). Human beings can devise their plans and strategies, but God has the sovereign power to thwart them all for the good of His children and His glory (Job 5:12; Isa. 8:10).

Jonathan assured David that his father knew he was fighting God and could not win (1 Sam 24:20-21). He, Jonathan, also knows it and has submitted to God’s will, so David had nothing to fear. Why would not David be encouraged to find strength in the Lord?

Even if you feel inadequate and you do not have the words to  soothe the pain of a wearied soul and give them  assurance from the Lord, your warm embrace and empathy will communicate love and concern and inspire hope from God

So, take the word of God, go to the side of a suffering soul, and speak the language of encouragement to help them find strength in the Lord.

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for your example of comfort and the language of encouragement you have given your redeemed to speak into each other’s lives in our difficult moments. Help us be sensitive to one another’s circumstances, and with your heart, help each other find strength in Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer. In His name, we have prayed. Amen!